DOES GOD’S HEART FOR ORPHANS EXTEND TO FROZEN EMBRYOS?

Advances in reproductive tech have created a new frontier in adoption—that of embryos. The practice involves adopting embryos created through in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) that remain in cold storage, unused by their biological parents.

Currently, there are an estimated 1 million frozen embryos in storage across the United States alone. Each embryo represents a unique human life created in the image of God, suspended in a frozen state of limbo. For Christians who hold to the sanctity of life beginning at conception, these embryos present a profound moral dilemma. Should they remain frozen indefinitely? Be discarded? Or could they be “adopted” by couples willing to carry them to term and raise them as their own?

 

BIBLICAL FOUNDATION: GOD’S VALUE FOR LIFE

Our understanding of embryo adoption must begin with what Scripture teaches about human life and its inherent value (Genesis 1:27). This foundational truth establishes every human being bears the image of God—not based on development, ability, or circumstance, but simply by virtue of being human.

The Psalmist affirms God’s intimate involvement with life even before birth (Psalm 139:13-16). Human life—from its earliest stages—therefore, holds immeasurable worth in God’s eyes. If we believe embryos are fully human from the moment of conception, frozen embryos aren’t merely potential lives but image-bearers of God in the earliest stage of development.

 

STEWARDSHIP AND CARE FOR THE VULNERABLE

Scripture consistently calls God’s people to protect and care for the vulnerable (Proverbs 24:11-12 and James 1:27).

From the beginning, God placed human beings in a position of stewardship over His creation (Genesis 2:15). This stewardship extends to how we treat the most vulnerable among us, including those who cannot speak for themselves.

Embryos represent perhaps the most vulnerable form of human life. They cannot advocate for themselves. They’re entirely dependent on others for the chance to develop, be born, and fulfil the purpose for which God created them. Viewed in this light, embryo adoption is an act of stewardship—giving our tiniest neighbours a chance to live. And flourish.

 

ADOPTION AS AN EXPRESSION OF REDEMPTION

Adoption serves a powerful metaphor in Scripture—for God’s redemptive work.

Romans 8:15-17 tells us, “You have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.”

Ephesians 1:5 reveals God “predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.”

Adoption isn’t merely a backup plan but a beautiful picture of God’s intentional love for His children. Embryo adoption is thus a redemptive act—taking something born of broken circumstances and bringing about new life, hope, and family.

Through embryo adoption, Christian families have the opportunity to mirror God’s adoptive love in a tangible way, offering these embryos the chance to be born, grow, and experience the love of family.

 

THE EMBRYO ADOPTION PROCESS—FROM START TO FINISH

The process typically begins with an application and home study similar to traditional adoption, followed by matching with a donating family’s embryos. Next, the adoptive mother undergoes medical screening and preparation to ensure her uterus can support pregnancy. The embryo transfer procedure is relatively simple, similar to an IUI procedure, and pregnancy testing follows about 10 days later. If successful, the pregnancy and birth proceed like any other pregnancy; if unsuccessful, families may choose to try again with additional embryos if available.

 

ADDRESSING ETHICAL CONCERNS

While embryo adoption offers a life-affirming response to the dilemma of frozen embryos, it also raises legitimate ethical concerns that Christians must thoughtfully address.

The existence of surplus embryos stems from IVF practices that routinely create more embryos than will be used. Many Christians have significant reservations about the IVF process itself. Does participating in embryo adoption implicitly endorse or perpetuate a system that routinely creates more human lives than it intends to bring to birth?

Here we might find wisdom in the story of Joseph, who said to his brothers, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today” (Genesis 50:20). While we may object to the circumstances that led to the creation and freezing of excess embryos, God can work redemptively through our response to this reality.

Living as we do in a fallen world, our ethical choices are rarely between perfect alternatives. Sometimes faithfulness means choosing the option that best preserves and honours life within imperfect circumstances. Embryo adoption may represent such a choice—not endorsing the system that created the dilemma but offering a redemptive response to the lives that now exist because of it.

 

PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHRISTIANS

For Christians considering embryo adoption, several practical considerations deserve attention:

1. Prayerful discernment: God has a unique plan for each family, each beautiful in its own way. As you contemplate embryo adoption, spend time in prayer seeking God’s specific guidance for your family. God may be calling you to this unique form of adoption, or He may have a different plan for how you can honour life and build your family.
2. Partnering with organisations that handle embryos ethically: Be sure you’re approaching organisations that respect the embryo’s status as a human life, rather than a property. Some adoption agencies and fertility clinics specialise in embryo adoption with protocols that align with a biblical view of human dignity.
3. Considering in advance how you will approach ethical questions. For instance, if multiple embryos are transferred, how will you respond if all develop successfully? Are you prepared for the possibility of multiples? Will you commit to transferring all adopted embryos?
4. Planning how you will discuss child’s origins as they grow. Honesty, age-appropriate explanations, and an emphasis on God’s providence in forming your family will be important aspects of your child’s identity formation.

 

CONCLUSION: A CALL TO FAITHFUL ACTION

As we consider embryo adoption through a biblical lens, several truths emerge:

• Human life begins at conception and bears God’s image from its earliest stages.
• Christians are called to protect the vulnerable and exercise faithful stewardship.
• Adoption reflects God’s redemptive heart and can be a beautiful expression of Christian love.

While Scripture doesn’t explicitly address embryo adoption, these biblical principles suggest it does align with God’s design for families when approached with prayer, wisdom, and commitment to honoring life. Christians of good faith may reach different conclusions on embryo adoption based on their understanding of these principles and God’s leading in the matter.

 

EMBRYO ADOPTION: RELATED FAQs

How does embryo adoption differ legally from traditional adoption? Embryo adoption typically operates under property law rather than adoption law, with embryos legally considered property rather than persons in most jurisdictions. This means the process involves a transfer of property rights rather than the court proceedings required in traditional adoption. However, many Christian organisations use adoption language and frameworks intentionally to honour the full humanity of embryos.

• What are the financial considerations for embryo adoption? In the US, embryo adoption is generally more affordable than both traditional adoption and many fertility treatments, with typical costs ranging from USD 7,500-19,000 depending on the programme and medical expenses. Most health insurance policies don’t cover the embryo transfer process, though some may cover portions of the prenatal care. Some organisations offer grants or sliding scale fees for families pursuing embryo adoption.
• What success rates can couples expect with embryo adoption? Clinical pregnancy rates for embryo adoption typically range from 40-60% per transfer, with live birth rates around 40% depending on embryo quality, maternal age, and other factors. Some families may need to undergo multiple transfers before achieving a successful pregnancy. The process requires medical screening, preparation, and patience, but offers reasonable chances of success compared to other family-building options.

How should Christian couples approach genetic testing of embryos? Christians should approach genetic testing with careful discernment, rejecting any testing used for discriminatory selection while considering testing that helps prepare for a child’s medical needs. Genetic information should never determine an embryo’s worth or adoptability, as all life is valuable regardless of genetic makeup. Families should discuss these matters with both medical professionals and pastoral counsellors before making decisions.

• How can churches support families pursuing embryo adoption? Churches can support embryo adoption by offering education about the theological and ethical dimensions of the practice, providing financial assistance through benevolence funds, and creating support groups for families on this journey. Pastors and elders can offer spiritual guidance while congregations provide practical support like meals after transfer or during bed rest. Churches that actively support embryo adoption demonstrate a consistent life ethic that values humans at all stages.
• What are some ways to explain embryo adoption to other children in the family? Parents can explain embryo adoption to siblings using age-appropriate language that emphasises God’s special way of bringing the baby into the family. Young children may understand the baby was kept safe and frozen until your family could bring them home in mommy’s tummy. As children mature, parents can offer more details about the biological origins while emphasizing God’s sovereignty in forming your family through this unique path.

How should Christians view biological parents who created these embryos? Christians should view biological parents with grace and thanksgiving, recognising the complex circumstances that led to their creation of embryos. While we may have concerns about IVF practices, we can still appreciate these biological parents chose to give their embryos a chance at life rather than discarding them. Adoptive families can model Christian charity by speaking respectfully about biological parents and praying for them, regardless of whether the adoption arrangement includes ongoing contact.

 

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